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first things first

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First things first.

Prov. Do things in the proper order; do not skip things that you should do first. Jill: Should we go to the museum first, or should we go shopping? Jane: I'm hungry. Let's eat lunch before we discuss it. First things first. First things first: read the directions carefully before you try to assemble the bookcase.

See also: first, thing

first things first

the most important thing should be thought about or done before any other You may need to get a better Internet service, but first things first - see if the one you have can do what you want.

See also: first, thing

First things first.

something that you say in order to tell someone that more important things should be done before less important things I know you want to talk about my trip, but first things first, how have you been while I was away?

See also: first, thing

first things first

The most important task gets priority, as in I very much wanted to see that movie, but first things first-the paper's due tomorrow. This adage was first recorded in 1545.

See also: first, thing